Cristina's introduction to Real Estate came at a very young age from her father, Carlo B. Callegari, who was a Manhattan Broker for over 30 years. Cristina spent many a day behind the scenes watching her dad negotiate deals, solve crisis's, and young Callegari even regularly injected her opinions into the management of buildings that her dad personally owned. Her father was her childhood Mentor and Hero.

However, like most rebellious children, Cristina yearned to do something other than the "family" business, and wanted to leave a "mark" of her very own. So, for 14 years Callegari worked for such prestigious firms as Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan Chase and MetLife in both Management and Sales capacities. While she was very successful, earning her Series 6, Series 63, Life and Health Licenses, an Investment Advisor designation, and she even published 5 financial articles for various on-line publications. Despite all this Callegari still felt that something was missing. Passion.

And, what has Cristina always been passionate about? Real Estate!

In a leap of faith she accepted a position as the Sales and Operations Manager of a highly regarded boutique Residential Brokerage located in North Eastern Queens. There Callegari fine-tuned her Real Estate skills by negotiating difficult deals, listing and selling properties, and acting as the right-hand to the Broker. In 2007, Cristina was even recognized by Strathmore's Who's Who, for "Exemplifying Leadership and Professional Achievement in her Occupation."

After several years Callegari was offered an opportunity to work as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson for Keller Williams Realty where she continued fine tuning her Real Estate skills until earlier in 2013 when she accepted a position as a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Realty Connect USA.

At Realty Connect USA, Cristina is able to blend her unique financial experience and marry it with her solid Real Estate background. Cristina says, "In these tough financial times it is important to work with a Realtor that not only understands all aspects of the Real Estate side of things - but a Realtor who also truly understands the financial impact that a purchase, or a sale can have. Not only on the short-term, but the long-term as well. I pride myself on being able to advise my clients on what they can and can't afford - whether they want to hear it or not." Callegari also added, "Today, Real Estate transactions are much more complicated than they were two years ago. Financing is harder to come by for those with less than perfect credit, many homeowners are pre-foreclosure, or are already headed to the auction block. Qualified buyers are more discerning, and many Sellers are still living in the Real Estate bubble of 2005. A great Realtor is on top of market conditions, can offer solutions to even the toughest challenges, and can navigate the changing market to make buying or selling a pleasant vs. daunting experience."

Cristina's Clients are graced by her honesty, consummate professionalism, meticulous eye for detail, and her thorough knowledge of New York Real Estate.

Cristina thinks that she is lucky indeed, "I don't have a job; I have a Career that I built from my life-long passion. And, I get to do it for a company I am proud to work with, and for clients that are like family to me."

On a personal note - Cristina is happily married to business owner Athanasios Kanellopoulos, and they live with their two Shih Tzus. When she can find some spare time Cristina enjoys Horseback Riding, Archery, Traveling, Antiquing, Painting and Interior Decorating.

And, for those of you that might be wondering - Cristina's dad reminds her on a weekly basis that Father really does know best.